Shaina Ford serves as the Head Cheer Coach at UIS. She brings years of cheerleading experience both as an athlete and a coach, having been involved in the sport since the age of five through competitive and school cheer.
Before joining UIS, Ford was the head cheer coach at Rochester High School, where she directed a squad of more than 20 student-athletes. In that role, she organized daily practices, choreographed game-day and competition routines, and prepared athletes for regional and state-level competitions. She also oversaw team operations including rosters, travel logistics, fundraising, and uniform coordination, while fostering teamwork, sportsmanship, and school spirit.
In addition to her coaching background, Ford holds a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Criminology from Indiana State University and a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management from the University of Illinois Springfield.
At UIS, she focuses on developing athletes’ technical skills in stunts, tumbling, and performance while creating an energetic and engaging game-day atmosphere. Her coaching emphasizes safety, leadership, and pride, with the goal of helping student-athletes grow as performers and representatives of the Prairie Stars.
